BRIDGETON — The Cumberland County freeholder board unanimously adopted an ordinance Tuesday night eliminating approximately 26 parking spaces on both sides of Fayette Street beginning on or about Aug. 20.

The ordinance came as a result of a periodic security study conducted by the U.S. Marshals Service, which recommended the “no parking” zone along the Fayette Street side of the courthouse.

No vehicles will be permitted to park on the courthouse (east) side of the street.

"The premise was the priority of safety and the ability for law enforcement to get in and out of the building and back on the road safely and quickly to do their jobs without any obstructions," said Freeholder Director Joe Derella.

On the west side of the street opposite the courthouse, only marked law enforcement vehicles will be permitted. Restricting parking creates a safe distance between the courthouse and any potentially threatening vehicles, officials said.

“We take the U.S. Marshal’s recommendations seriously,” said Sheriff Robert Austino, whose department is responsible for courthouse security. “We believe these changes will help ensure the safety of everyone who works at, or visits, the courthouse every day.”

The no-parking zone begins at the intersection of Fayette and Broad streets (state Route 49) and runs south toward Vine Street.

The ordinance was introduced at the freeholder meeting on June 25.

Signs communicating the new parking restrictions will be going up prior to Aug. 20. Once enforcement begins, violators will be subject to towing and fines.

County officials hope residents and others who normally park on that stretch of Fayette Street will take advantage of either the new 300-space parking deck behind the prosecutor’s office on Vine Street or the 75-space lot at 99 W. Broad Street.

“We expect that some residents might find the new restrictions inconvenient, and we understand,” said Derella. “But we’re glad that we can take this important security measure and still provide quality nearby parking alternatives.”